Wrexham Futsal recently embarked on an exciting new project to develop a team for deaf players.

Launched in partnership with the Welsh Football Trust, the aim will be to provide deaf people with the opportunity to play futsal in a controlled environment with and against other like-minded people.

Wrexham have shown a true commitment to developing Futsal in the region, from their very successful first team who have competed in Europe and setting up a local league which has a waiting list to join, along with a thriving junior section and women’s side.

This new venture will open new doors for the club and enable their coaches and volunteers to expand their present skill set to incorporate the challenges faced with coaching deaf players.

The idea behind setting up the team came from Daniel McNeil, a keen Wrexham fan who acquired his deafness from contracting meningitis 18 months ago.

Daniel simply wanted to play football and discovered there were no opportunities in the area for deaf people and took it upon himself to set up a new team.

Despite the challenges he has faced, Daniel’s passion and love for football have enabled him to set up a new team for deaf people in the Wrexham area.

He said: “The main reason I wanted to set this up was because of my love for football. Since my illness I feel strongly about disability sport and I want to do all I can to create more opportunities in the area.

“I couldn’t believe it when I found out that Wrexham didn’t have a deaf football team, especially with the number of deaf people in the area. I thought it would be a good idea to get this team moving and put Wrexham on the map in the deaf community.”

Sessions are open to both men and women aged 15+, every Tuesday from 8 to 9pm at Glyndwr Sports Centre.

The team is now appealing for more people to get involved from players, volunteers and sponsorship.

For more information contact Michael Parry on michael.parry@welshfootballtrust.org.uk or Paul Kelly on paulkelly@wrexhamfutsalclub.co.uk